Valmet to Deliver a New BCTMP Line to ITC Bhadrachalam Mill to Increase High-Quality Pulp Production

Valmet will deliver a complete bleached chemi-thermo mechanical pulping (BCTMP) line and BCTMP Evaporation for ITC Bhadrachalam mill in India. The new line utilises Valmet’s unique high-temperature technology (HT-CTMP), which operates at elevated temperatures to create exceptionally intact fibres, improving pulp quality while simultaneously reducing energy consumption in refining. The production process will be supplied with Valmet Automation and Flow Control solutions.

Our Bhadrachalam mill is one of the leading pulp and paper mills in India, and we are proud to adopt any relevant globally established superior technologies at our mill, for enabling process efficiency improvement. With Valmet’s unique HT-CTMP technology, we target to produce high-quality Pulp with high operational efficiency. We value the support we have received from Valmet during our earlier projects and are looking forward for the continued collaboration for yet another successful project delivery.

Harinarayanan, Divisional Head, ITC Paperboards and Specialty Papers

Valmet’s first delivery to ITC Bhadrachalam mill was a multilayer paperboard machine in the 1990s and the cooperation has continued with new technology, maintenance, and upgrade projects over the years.

“We have a long-standing cooperation with ITC and value their commitment to operational excellence. ITC was the first in India to install a high-power recovery boiler and has consistently demonstrated the willingness and capability to lead in innovation. The selection of Valmet’s unique HT-CTMP technology combined with flash drying and baling is a natural continuation of this forward-looking approach. With Valmet’s strong presence in India, we can serve the customer locally throughout the entire lifecycle, from project execution to maintenance services,” said Senthil Velusamy, Head of Product Sales, Pulp, Energy and Circularity, Valmet.

Valmet HT-CTMP technology offers excellent bulk and strength properties to high wood yield and energy efficiency.

“The Valmet chip-to-board concept is developed to offer the best solutions for our customers, not only optimising one part of the production process but looking at the whole process. Valmet is a full-scope supplier with integrated automation and flow control solutions. The full BCTMP line, with evaporation and flash drying, is designed to offer highest pulp quality, lowest operating costs, easy maintenance and high energy efficiency. With this design we hope to meet the needs of ITC Bhadrachalam mill,” said Mattias Erixon, Director, Biomass Conversion and Mechanical Fiber, Pulp Mills, Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area, Valmet.

The order was included in Valmet’s orders received for the second quarter of 2026. The value of the order is not disclosed. The new line is planned to be started up during the second quarter of 2028.

High quality, easy maintenance, and better environmental performance
Valmet’s delivery includes the complete BCTMP line with a capacity of 350 bone dry tonnes per day, BCTMP Evaporation plant, flash drying and baling, associated Valmet DNA distributed control system (DCS) and flow control solutions, and an extensive spare parts package. Additionally, Valmet will deliver a new White Liquor Disc Filter for the recausticizing line. 

Valmet’s unique HT-CTMP technology is designed for a wide range of fibre-based applications and is ideal to produce light-weight board grades. The energy efficient and flexible Fiber Flash dryer and Baling will enable ITC to optimally manage the imbalance in production line. The BCTMP-evaporation plant will concentrate the pulping spent liquor to be burned in the high-power recovery boiler improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental load of the mill.

About ITC
ITC’s Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division (ITC-PSPD) is part of Indian conglomerate ITC Limited and is one of India’s leading pulp and paper producers. The company manufactures packaging and graphic boards along with a range of specialty papers and boards for diverse applications. The company operates production facilities in Bhadrachalam, Tribeni, Kovai and Bollaram and is headquartered in Hyderabad. The division serves customers in India and international markets.